Summer Rabbit Care

With summer on the way, many of us in the pet care industry focus on spreading awareness about protecting pets from seasonal heat and hazards. That applies to rabbits, too! In this article from Westside Animal Hospital A Savannah, GA vet offers some advice on summer bunny care.

Move Floppy

Make sure your furry pal’s cage isn’t in direct sunlight. If Floppy’s room is pretty warm and/or doesn’t have climate control, you may want to move her to a cooler spot.  

Water

Hydration is crucial to pets at this time of year. Consider getting some extra water bottles. Put a second one in Floppy’s cage. Keep a third in the freezer, and swap it out for warm ones. That way, your adorable little pet will always have cold water available as the extra/frozen one melts.

No Swimming

While some of our furry patients enjoy swimming at this time of  year, that definitely does not apply to rabbits. For one thing, Floppy can’t swim. Bunnies also tend to be absolutely terrified of water. They can actually die from fright and shock if submerged! Plus, if they get wet, they are at risk of flystrike, which is both very painful and very gross to deal with. 

Cool Retreats

Make sure Floppy always has a cool hide. If you can find a large enough one, a ceramic pot is a good choice. Another option is to put a frozen ceramic tile in her cage for her to lay on. You can also pack frozen ice packs or bottles of water around your furball’s cage. Just make sure she can’t reach anything that she shouldn’t be chewing on. Keeping a fan near her cage for air circulation can help as well.

Treats

Who doesn’t like a cold treat on a hot day? Opt for snacks that have high water content, such as cucumbers. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Overheating

Watch for signs of overheating. These include bluish lips, tongues, and ears; panting; elevated pulse; wet nose and mouth; and frothy discharge. If you see any of these signs, immediately take steps to cool Floppy off. Dampening her ears with a cool washcloth should help. Call your vet as you’re doing this: your furry friend may need emergency treatment.

Contact Westside Animal Hospital, your Savannah, GA veterinarians, with any questions or concerns about bunny care. We’re ‘hoppy’ to help!